Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you've most likely heard about GMOs. The infamous organisms are the forefront of many nutritional debates. For those of us who are not nutritionists, let’s look at the basics. The Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard College define GMO as a genetically modified food or organism. The FDA defines a GMO as an animal or plant that has been created through genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a term often used to describe biotechnological methods to directly manipulate an organism’s genome or its genetic makeup. Similarly, it is important to note that humans do not currently consume any meat products that are considered to be GMOs. Laboratory created organisms are noted to have both positive effects and unanticipated risks. Each of the opposing sides have valid reasons for and against GMOs. Below are basic questions providing perspectives from both sides.
Why Were GMOs Created?
Genetically – engineered organisms were initially established to have an organism present a new trait. Beginning in 1973, with bacteria transformation, the industry has grown rapidly and is now used in agriculture. In 1996, genetically altered foods were introduced to the consumer. They have increased the shelf life of plants and food, resistance to pests, herbicides, and harsh conditions. The GMO has also increased the nutritional value of plants for consumption. Along with improving the plant, the GMO has created a stir of controversy around its ethics.
How are GMOs Created?
According to Harvard University, the steps for creating GMOs include identifying a trait of interest, isolating that trait, inserting that trait into a desired organism, and then propagating that organism. The link above provides an in-depth analysis of each step associated with their creation.
Advocates for removing GMOs from human consumption point out that these organisms do not occur in nature. They are created in a lab and scientists carefully extract specific traits to create an ideal organism. Supporters of GMOs remind consumers that the organisms do grow in nature, yet seed origin begins in a laboratory setting.
What are the Negative Aspects of GMOs?
Before the use of GMOs, plants were regularly consumed during the natural growing season and lasted a more natural time on the shelf.
According to a document published by the Non-GMO project, there are unexpected mutations associated with splicing and replacing specific genes. It also critiques the efficiency of the process. Plants undergo comprehensive testing and examination before its seeds are commercialized, this is to ensure safety to both the consumer and farmer’s crop. The detail associated with GMOs requires more time and specific analysis of seeds than normal crops.
Illness
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) cites the increase in illness starting in 1996 along with the introduction of GMOs to consumers. Their research claims food allergies, autism, reproductive disorders, digestive problems, and others are on the rise.
Bakshi states a food allergy affects 5 percent of children and 2 percent of adults in the United States. A food allergy occurs when a protein enters the human body and stimulates an immune response. An Immune response creates the redness, swelling and itching noted by allergies. The fear is if a GMO contains an extracted protein it will insight an immune response in food normally safe to humans. Although there have been no documented food allergies to these extracted proteins, the potential crafts fear.
Herbicides
Herbicides are chemicals that kill unwanted crops. Advocates for more natural methods of farming suggest the increased use of herbicides has a direct correlation to the increase of illness found in our society. Forbes reported the herbicide resistant crops have not reduced the use of herbicides, but rather increased due to “super weeds.” Likewise, the concern is naturally occurring plants will not thrive because of the growing mass of genetically engineered plants. A staggering 73 percent of corn is now modified.
What are the Positive Aspects of GMOs?
Although there are ample concerns for evolving farming methods, it is impossible to refute the positive components to GMOs. In a world evolving for the “here and now,” it seems the natural order that food would follow. Prior to GMO consumption, corn could only be grown in its natural growing season, rice was a rarity out of season and the ability to feed the worlds' hunger was a fantasy.
Rigorous Testing
The USDA, EPA, APHIS set strict guidelines for testing and protocols for GMOs. The testing process can take seven to ten years, and must include evaluations of potential risks to humans, livestock, wildlife, and the environment. Studies show that GMOs are some of the most tested products in history. Studies have proved that no illness or decreased nutritional values are contributed to genetically modified organisms.
Pesticides
Pesticides are substances used for destroying organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals. A German Study found, “GM crops have reduced pesticide quantity by 37 percent and pesticide cost by 39 percent. ““Average profit gains for GM-adopting farmers are 69 percent.”
It is difficult to dissect the intricate workings of agriculture in 1,000 words, however, it is plausible that GMO use has both positive and negative effects on our world. It leads me to wonder, are these effects less significant on our bodies than increased technology use? It is impossible to definitively give credit to one. As a society, it is important to evaluate both sides of each argument to discern the course of action. Too often we are blinded by our own opinions and unwilling to see other perspectives.
